The Natchitoches City Council met Monday, October 26, approving measures involving unsafe properties, employee compensation and improvements to the water treatment facility. Council members also discussed utility finances and introduced ordinances addressing excessive property accumulation and the operational authority of the Ward One City Marshal’s Office.
The council approved Ordinance No. 032 of 2026, declaring certain buildings unsafe and establishing procedures for demolition or repairs necessary to bring the properties into compliance with city building codes.
The ordinance, presented by Councilman Dale Nielsen, also authorizes notices to be served, establishes hearing procedures and provides for the appointment of a curator to represent absent property owners.
During discussion, council members questioned the status of property owners who had contacted the city’s Planning and Zoning Department about making repairs. City officials explained that property owners are given opportunities to bring structures into compliance before condemnation proceedings advance. The process can take one to three years, depending on the circumstances. Officials emphasized that condemnation does not automatically result in demolition. Property owners who obtain the necessary permits and demonstrate progress toward repairs may be given additional time to complete the work.
However, properties remain under condemnation until they are brought into full compliance and formally removed from the condemnation list. Planning and Zoning officials also explained that available funding affects when condemned structures can be demolished, with some properties remaining on the list for an additional year or two.
The ordinance was approved following discussion about balancing property owners’ opportunities to make repairs with the city’s responsibility to address unsafe structures.
The council voted to remove Ordinance No. 037 of 2026 from the agenda following discussion about the city’s utility finances and the need for additional information. The proposed ordinance, presented by Councilwoman-at-Large Betty Smith-Kirkendoll, would have amended Chapter 30 of the city’s Code of Ordinances to expressly authorize the use of electric utility revenues to support the city’s water and sewer utilities and general fund. The ordinance also included provisions for accounting and administration.
Council members raised questions about the city’s utility reserves, water and sewer sustainability, and the financial implications of the proposed legislation. During discussion, one council member referenced a water rate study indicating that the city’s water system was below a 1.15 sustainability factor. The study reportedly recommended a 10% water rate increase in fiscal year 2027, followed by additional increases of 2.8% thereafter.
City finance officials explained that electric, water and sewer operations are currently accounted for within the same utility fund, although revenues and expenses can be identified separately. The council also discussed correspondence from a consultant concerning the wording of the proposed ordinance, including whether certain provisions should use mandatory or discretionary language.
Council members expressed interest in meeting with representatives of the water rate study firm to better understand the findings and recommendations. The possibility of a public presentation was also discussed.
The council voted to remove the ordinance from the agenda while additional consultation and review take place.
The council introduced Ordinance No. 038 of 2026, presented by Councilwoman Chris Petite, which would establish regulations addressing excessive accumulations of personal property and materials that create unsafe, unsanitary or hazardous conditions. The proposed ordinance would address accumulations of vehicles, vehicle parts, appliances, household goods, refuse, debris and other materials when those conditions threaten public health or safety.
Examples discussed included blocked entrances and exits, restricted access for emergency responders, fire hazards, pest infestations, structural concerns and unsanitary conditions. Planning and Zoning officials explained that the proposed regulations would supplement existing health, sanitation and lot-cleaning ordinances rather than replace them. The ordinance is intended to address hazardous property conditions rather than an individual’s personal living preferences or mental health.
The proposed regulations establish procedures for inspections, notices, corrective action, emergency abatement, administrative enforcement, cost recovery and other remedies. Under the proposed enforcement process, property owners would receive notice and an opportunity to correct violations. Continued noncompliance could result in police citations and court summonses.
Officials said the ordinance would provide another enforcement option for properties where excessive accumulations create safety concerns for occupants, neighbors and emergency personnel. The ordinance was introduced for consideration and was not presented for final adoption during the meeting.
The council introduced Ordinance No. 039 of 2026, presented by Councilman Eddie Harrington, recognizing and continuing the existing operational authority of the Ward One City Marshal of Natchitoches. The proposed ordinance would formally recognize law enforcement duties historically performed by the City Marshal and deputy marshals within their lawful jurisdiction. Those duties include making arrests, issuing citations, conducting traffic enforcement, executing warrants and court orders, assisting investigations and cooperating with other law enforcement agencies.
Steve Pezant, representing the Ward One City Marshal’s Office, addressed the council about the proposed ordinance. Pezant explained that the measure was intended to preserve existing law enforcement operations and the ability of deputy marshals to assist other agencies. He also described the Marshal’s Office’s responsibilities involving City Court security, serving court documents and handling evictions.
The ordinance was introduced for consideration, with no final vote taken during the meeting.
The council approved Resolution No. 070 of 2026, presented by Councilman Nielsen, authorizing one-time salary supplement payments to eligible city employees and council members. The payments will be funded through accumulated surplus money in the city’s workers’ compensation fund.
Under the resolution, regular full-time employees and City Council members will receive $600, while eligible regular part-time, nonseasonal employees will receive $300. Payments will be prorated based on length of service during the previous 12 months, ending October 31, 2026. Employees must be actively employed by the city on the date payments are issued.
The resolution specifies that the supplements are one-time payments for the current fiscal year and will not become part of employees’ base salaries or salary schedules. Council members thanked city employees for maintaining a safe working environment and contributing to the workers’ compensation fund surplus.
The council approved Resolution No. 072 of 2026, presented by Councilwoman Petite, authorizing the mayor to execute Change Order No. 4 to the contract between the City of Natchitoches and Lemoine Company, LLC, for Water Treatment Facility Improvements Phase One, Bid No. 0667. The contract was originally awarded in May 2024 for $9,217,000. The approved change order increases the contract by $67,097, bringing the revised contract total to $9,356,526. The change also extends the contract schedule from 502 calendar days to 834 calendar days.
During discussion, officials explained that the additional time was necessary to coordinate programming between the new filtration equipment and the existing water treatment plant systems. The work involves rebuilding software programming to allow the new filters and other portions of the treatment facility to communicate properly.
City officials reported that the project had experienced delays and that the latest projected startup date was November 16, 2026. Officials cautioned that previous startup dates had been missed but indicated that progress was being made toward bringing the improvements into operation. The resolution was approved by the council.
The next scheduled Natchitoches City Council meeting will be held Monday, November 9, 2026. City of Natchitoches offices will be closed Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in observance of Veterans Day.